Fresh start for Suarez

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez insists he has drawn a line under last season's controversies and is looking for a fresh start in the 2012/13 campaign.

The Uruguay international has had his fair share of problems since moving to Anfield in January 2011, most notably the alleged racial abuse of Manchester United defender Patrice Evra which resulted in an eight-match ban for the 25 year old.

However, he recently signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool, and told various newspapers: "We are professional footballers. We play football on the pitch. Like any other problem someone has, you put it behind you and move on."

He added: "Carlos (Tevez) had some problems as well. But he is a mature person and has sorted out those problems. He is an excellent player and everyone in England is enjoying watching him play at this moment.

"There were clubs who wanted to sign me but my priority was always to stay and sign for Liverpool. I am very happy here and the manager said he wanted me to stay because he was happy with me as a player.

"That gave me confidence. The club have trust in me because of the work I do on the football pitch and what happened in the past is in the past. It is over."

Suarez also revealed Manchester City striker Tevez is the reason he chose to leave Dutch side Ajax and move to the Barclays Premier League.

"I watched Tevez when I was playing in Holland and I could see he was doing really well," said Suarez. "That was one of the things that really motivated me to come and play in the Premier League.

"I thought that if Tevez can do really well, then I could do too because I have a similar physical stature.

"South American players should have no problems whatsoever settling into the English game."